Arrived, safe and well. Always home from home when you see a loving face.

We are here (with luggage, with smiles) !

 The photo is purposely from a distance so that you can't pick up our bleary eyes (and because Emlyn forgot his mascara). We landed about 1am and have been supremely well cared for by all the team here at transition house. When you are greeted by the huge smile of Viktor at 1am in a slightly deserted airport, there's little you can do (however tired) other than smile back. The team at transition house has changed somewhat since our last visit, as it now has entered a new season. What was a building project is now a fully functioning mission center, preparing young people for "the workaday world" and showing them the love of Christ. The "new" team however has the same DNA... servant hearted, warmth, kindness, overly generous and packaged in humility and gentleness. What makes a home is the character of those who run it. This place is a reflection of the heart of God, and it is written all over their faces. At the end of our lives Revelation 22:4  reminds us that those who love God will go to live with him.

 ^"They will see his face"

 I can't help but think that T H is something of a foretaste of this. How wonderful to be greeted not as a stranger but a family member, not an outsider but the inner circle, not a suspect but a beloved friend, for whom great sacrifice has been made. The preparation for our arrival was humbling, and exuded love - it does not go unnoticed. From the immaculate beds to the feast-like food preparation we are very well cared for.This is both a window on the welcome every young person will get when they arrive here, and foretaste of what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 cor 2:9)  We are staying a couple of nights here in Fontanke, to join in the Easter celebrations, today at grace church and tomorrow with many churches at  the Opera House. We are all sleeping in rooms on the top floor, yet another sign that the home is in full use, for which we praise God so much. 

Times change, but the heart of God is steadfastly loving, faithful and good. We arrive in Odessa a little older each time (and arguably a little less useful each time) -(note to wife - I had no grey hairs when I started coming here)  - but each time we are even more dearly loved. We have much to thank God for and many things to look forward to. The best is yet to come for everyone who lives in God's purposes.

Be in touch soon, to tell of news from church and our work plans for the trip, but today is a day for Easter thanks.... to a God who knows the worst about us and welcomes us anyway. 
Speak soon, love BLOGSKI.